The main character, Tsuboi Ryota, is a salaryman often criticized for being physically big, but with a “small” heart, and he is stuck in a dilemma of not really being able to fit in both at work and at home. But one day, his estranged father falls ill and with that, his “happy enough” life begins to change. A mysterious beauty, a man who claims to know his father’s past appears, and his father begins to act in strange ways... It turns out, his father had been looking for the legendary “small creature” in his hometown! Though he doesn’t believe that it actually exists, he begins to meet with many people to uncover his father’s mystery, and slowly his feelings begin to change. Maybe, no there’s no such thing...but just maybe...it really does exist? “The world isn’t just made up of things that you can see” Within the drama, using well-known creatures such as a koro-pok-guru, dwarf, and hobbit as a hint, an original story made just for the drama about a creature called ‘cuna’ will be unveiled. Through the existence of this “cuna”, we hope that people will be able to appreciate how “the power to believe in things we can’t see” such as, the importance of living in and sharing the nature, dreams, love, the bond we share with people, are connected to a happier tomorrow. Ryota begins to look for the unthinkable thing “that he can’t see.” The big man with a small heart starts on his big journey to find the small creature, and eventually Ryota and his family, all the people he meets, becomes embroiled in this big mess. Will he be able to catch this “cuna”? At the end of everything, what will he discover...? --Fuji TV

It's the first time Yamaguchi Tomoko will be again acting for a dorama! It's her comeback after 16 years since Long Vacation! Together with Abe it could be a great drama Hope someone upload the episodes and someone else sub it

Sorvaseven wrote:
It's the first time Yamaguchi Tomoko will be again acting for a dorama! It's her comeback after 16 years since Long Vacation! Together with Abe it could be a great drama Hope someone upload the episodes and someone else sub it

My feelings exactly. I just loved Yamaguchi in the few dramas I saw with her, and always wished for more dramas with her in them, and Abe is probably my favorite drama actor. It would be great to get a chance to see this one.

k361 wrote:
I like YOU, her voice make me smile every time

Why thank you, I like You too.

Actually, I really did like her voice in Manhattan Love story.

If you can remain calm while all around you others are panicking... Then you obviously have not adequately assessed the situation.

It's the first time Yamaguchi Tomoko will be again acting for a dorama! It's her comeback after 16 years since Long Vacation! Together with Abe it could be a great drama Big Smile Hope someone upload the episodes and someone else sub it Smile

It seems to be that although the initial publicity about this drama was about Yamaguchi Tomoko's comeback, the true lead is Abe Hiroshi. That could be why footage of Yamaguchi is limited in the trailer.

I couldn't even care less who is acting in this drama, when I read that it is the first drama directed by Koreeda I was completely sold on it. I mean, Nobody knows is one of my favourite movies! And all his other movies are awesome as well. I'm so curious how his style will work in a tv show. I just can't wait to watch it - I would watch it even if only first time actors would be in it.

Agreed, MaiKitty. Kore-eda sensei is the #1 draw for me, as well.
He has directed documentary series for television in the past, but this is indeed his first drama. It's kinda like a god descending to dwell with us mortals for a bit. At least it is for film snobs, like me.

All that food made me really hungry! The first episode (you can call it a movie...1:40hrs) didn't disappoint. I love the atmosphere Koreeda creates - it is calm and so real and never boring.I'm curious about the Kuna. Maybe they will meet them in the forest next time.

Ahh.. so this is a Koreeda drama. I was wondering why the drama had a similar feel to Still Walking while watching it. Not that it's a bad thing.

Solid first episode, was surprised by how long it was though. But no episode next week, so I guess we got two weeks worth at once. Definitely on my watch list and highly recommended to those seeking a similar 'feel' to Koreeda's movies.

Just watched the third episode. Till now the series feels like a very long (and very good) movie.
There are many scenes that make this drama charming (I hope that's the right word). Abe Hiroshi arguing with Makita Aju or him as a witch in shorts and the soccer plays are just some examples. But I don't get the feeling that something is just made up to entertain or satisfy the viewer. The cast fit their roles perfect too. Just my impression.

PS: I wonder a bit about the upbringing of the daughter, looks like no one ever really tells her off.

Just watched episode 4, and am still enjoying what is a very fascinating story (to me at least). Lots of depth, yet funny moments. I cracked up tonight watching Abe Sadao do an imitation of Sato Jiro as Hotoke in Yuusha Yoshihiko to Akuryo no Kagi! I'm watching all my favorite doramas at once.

Those Kuna fellows are interesting. I like myths like this. Isn't it fascinating to meet little people in the forest in your childhood? Koreeda has a way with creating childhood moments on screen that correspond to my own childhood memories....(not that I ever met little people)

The kuna remind me of the little people in Haruki Murakamis 1Q84. But these were much more sinister. Koreeda style is always so calm, even when brutal stuff happens. That man has an eye for human nature, relationships and the ability to put it on screen. The kuna forest, for example, it is beautiful!

The ratings just gets worse and worse for every episode (last ep 6.5%), and the Japanese viewers dont seem to be very satisfied if you read on for example 2chan. They complain on the manuscript and story, and that the cast is a waste. But is it really that bad? What do you guys say? Not worth checking out?

Romance wrote:The ratings just gets worse and worse for every episode (last ep 6.5%), and the Japanese viewers dont seem to be very satisfied if you read on for example 2chan. They complain on the manuscript and story, and that the cast is a waste. But is it really that bad? What do you guys say? Not worth checking out?

Ratings don't mean a thing, imho. The manuscript and the story are bad? I don't think so. It's typical Koreeda style. Of course, it's not keeping you on the edge of your seat, needing to know how it will continue. But that's not how he is.

I also don't think the actors are wasted. Especially in these real, yet subtle situations, a really talented actor can shine. Overacting is much more easy than this here. I think it is simple, you have to let it in. Let it calm you and just enjoy it for what it is. Of course, they will always be people who call it boring. It might even be that if I watched this in Japan on TV I would forget about it, or I wouldn't be in the mood to watch when it airs. When it is uploaded here on D-A I actively seek it out and watch it when I want to. Maybe that's the way. You have to be in the mood. ;)

I would like to add my two cents, in agreement with MaiKitty. It's also a question of aesthetics -- are you attracted to Japanese shows that are more slice of life, bitterweet, wabi-sabi? Then Going My Home is a real gem. Or do you prefer the more manga style (hospitals, high schools, cops)? Then clearly, this is going to be rather boring. I'm not saying one style is better than the other (I enjoy both, plus food shows ), but obviously fast-paced, suspense, emotion-driven shows are going to more popular, in any country.

Personally, I'm enjoying this very much (despite my skepticism about seeing things unseen - sorry t12345), and I find the actors are doing a fine job expressing some very adult emotions and situations. And if you're studying Japanese or interested in real Japanese lifestyles, this is a great resource. So to answer Romance's question, I think it's worth checking out to see a different aesthetic and pace. But since it is rather slow, I'd say watch the first two or three episodes and then decide.

I'm not too surprised that this drama is tanking, since it really deviates from the typical jdrama "mold". Don't get me wrong, this drama is great in its own way, but this style of storytelling won't exactly get viewers excited for the next episode, which is kind of necessary to maintain ratings.

DarkWarrior wrote:I'm not too surprised that this drama is tanking, since it really deviates from the typical jdrama "mold". Don't get me wrong, this drama is great in its own way, but this style of storytelling won't exactly get viewers excited for the next episode, which is kind of necessary to maintain ratings.

agree
this drama is like no other and good at its own way. For those who gets used to the regular drama will find it boring. Yet, this kind of drama is really fresh and outside the box. Afterall, I still hope it will escalate into more and more major revealing at the last episodes, hope the producers won't cut the number of episodes though

Last edited by lontong.stroong on Nov 24th, '12, 10:55, edited 1 time in total.

Well, I admit that I'm an Abe Hiroshi fanboy and I am totally in love with Yamaguchi Tomoko , so my opinion is far from unbiased. But I agree with scattie and antspace. These are really good actors in a story that requires some thinking and reflection. Combine that with the Labor Thanksgiving holiday and competition from variety shows, and well..... (just to be clear, I'm not putting down popular shows, since I watch those with pleasure too. Well, sometimes at the clichés...)
Anyway, I noticed that the preview shows an attempt at building suspense, so that may be a reponse (or else a prelude to a quick closing .)

they should've hand this drama to NHK though and film it in 7-8-episodes format.
the lack of development finally takes its toll. This, of course, works on movie format, but when it comes to drama, it's a money loser. Nevertheless, it's still enjoyable though

I like most of abe hiroshi's work too but this one really challenges my patience. I'm just up to ep3, so maybe I shouldn't judge it earlier. Still I don't think I'm gonna follow it till the end. Thinking of dropping already.

I think this drama is like a slow food, for those who get used to fast food it seems to be boring and uninteresting. But you should try to appreciate the details, the feeling, the communication between casts, that the director and actors tried to show you, you definitly would love this drama.

I just wanted to add that I am also enjoying this drama. I might not appreciate the pacing as much though if I were to watch it with commercial interruptions since that would really disrupt the mood. The way the director films it is very beautiful, the acting is great (I especially love Moe-chan It is a welcome break from the typical dramas shown these days.

Out of the dramas this season, I think this one is soooo refreshing. The slow pace doesn't bother me and I think it's just a minor thing because the overall acting/script is just great in itself *_*

I also enjoyed how this drama could throw in random blips of comedy in midst of seriousness. Abe Hiroshi is brilliant in delivering this type of stuff I also love the way they poke fun at his big size (running gags in Trick )

..like knocking off things on his way out

these two making fun of him, so cute

When he picked up the cake I was like..hey that's not Mont Blanc..sure enough..YOU changed it lol

Ah, and did you notice in the middle scene how Moe keeps her chopsticks in her hand? So totally in character of the little rebel girl who doesn't follow conventions. As you said, there are so many scenes that are little stories in their own right. I find the craftsmanship just amazing....

scattie wrote:...
Btw I just realised Yamaguchi is like 47-48 years old now? She looks amazing *_*

Word!
I just watched the sixth episode. It had many great scenes some really heart-warming and comedic ones. The one with Moe and Sae both eating while talking about Sae's job was my favourite.
I'm looking forward to the next episodes. It feels so good to watch this in a comfortably warm room with something fine to drink when its cold outside^^

I hope Ryota does not get in a quarrel with his old man. His father could get upset seeing Ryota chasing the same dream leaving him behind.

As for Moe chan's interest with Kuna, it's not really she believes in it, it's rather due to her regret cause the last thing she did with Megumi was arguing right? I think she's looking for closure? That's why she can't let go of Megumi's desk and move forward..

I'd love to know what's written here, anyone would be kind enough to translate? Onegaishimasu~

I can't say enough about how absolutely amazing Abe Hiroshi is. That man can play emotions across his face as easily as I breathe, and he made me go 'aaw' and sit in tense silence in sec.

I'm going to miss this drama

Second that all the way. I found this fascinating in its understatement and its subtle, skillful play of emotions (OK, OK, I'm also totally in love with Yamaguchi san, but that's a different issue). Pity about the ratings, but I really enjoyed every episode. Thanks so much to all the raw uploaders and subbers -- お疲れ様でした！！

This was a truly awsome drama. Every character was real, no scenes were forced, and the various subplots were all excellent. There are lots of jdramas that I enjoyed, but I cannot recall one being as well made as this one.